I’ve liked what I’ve seen out of Henry Mabee. Although already 24, he throws a hard fastball 95 to 97, a high 70’s curveball and a high 80’s splitter. As long as he keeps the fastball down, hitters are frozen. He has a large frame and I’m eager to see what he can do next season possibly splitting time between Birmingham and Charlotte. …

He showed good pitch recognition for all but one pitch (an unsuccessful check swing), not flinching at any too-low and too-away offerings. If there’s one thing not working for him, it could be that he’s a little pull-happy right now. He came through in the clutch with a single over the second baseman’s head, but he had to break his bat to do it. …

Jim also has video of Flowers, reports on Brent Lillibridge , Matt Zaleski, Brian Anderson, Stefan Gartrell, Derek Rodriguez, and a Photo Gallery from the game.

August 6, 2009

After hearing that RHP Daniel Hudson will be promoted to AAA Charlotte, FutureSox reports the same about Stefan Gartrell. The 25-year old outfielder is hitting .285/.371/.521/.892 with 46/99 BB/K ratio. He has a .346 BABIP.

Three of the Top 7 home run hitters in the Southern League come from the same Birmingham squad but only catcher Tyler Flowers is a legitimate prospect. Gartrell, 25, has come a long way since being drafted out of the University of San Francisco in the 31st round as a senior in 2006. He’s repeating double-A after spending all of 2008 in Birmingham, as well.

Cook has been kicking around the system since being drafted out of the University of Miami (Ohio) in 2003. Now 28, the outfielder is having a nice season while providing veteran leadership to the organization’s young prospects. He was recently promoted to triple-A.